Ward 10: Residents at the city's eastern edge worried about pace of development

CBC Hamilton asked all candidates running for Hamilton city council to share their priorities and speak to an issue that stands out to them as needing to be addressed in their ward. Their answers are left here in full, with light editing only for spelling/grammar. For the candidates who did not answer the CBC Hamilton questionnaire, information has been drawn from their websites, when possible. All of CBC Hamilton's election coverage can be found here.

The rapid pace of development in Ward 10, or Lower Stoney Creek, is what's motivating the two competitors to longtime councillor Maria Pearsonin Monday's election.

Jeff Beattie and Louie Milojevic, who both ran against Pearson in the 2018 election as well, say the main issue they're hearing about from residents in the ward at the northeast corner of the city is unwanted development and preservation of green space.

In contrast, Coun. Pearson, who was first elected in 2003, was one of only three councillors to vote to expand the urban boundary in a decision last year that saw unprecedented public input in support of stopping sprawl.

"Our community is deeply concerned about the size, scope and density of new developments, and a lack of infrastructure to support it," said Beattie, in response to a CBC Hamilton candidate survey.

In his response, Milojevic said new developments must be done in better consultation with the community, and while protecting undeveloped land.

"This approach is new in the context of the current practices which leave constituents feeling excluded and powerless," he said.

In the last election, Pearson earned just over 36 per cent of the vote; Milojevic earned 27 per cent, and Beattie got just under 25 per cent.

"Councillor Pearson's per cent of the popular vote has dropped in every election since 2006 (in which she earned 75 per cent of the vote)," local political geographer Chris Erl recently told CBC Hamilton.

On council, Pearson has been a strong opponent of a light-rail transit line that will run across the lower city, but not into her ward. She also voted against converting Main Street to two-way traffic in May, despite it being one of the city's deadliest streets for pedestrians. At the time, she worried Stoney Creek residents would have to deal with congestion when they go downtown.

"The concern for my residents is the efficiency," she told city council.

The Lower Stoney Creek ward is bordered by the Niagara Escarpment to the south, Lake Ontario to the north, the city's boundary with Grimsby to the east, and GrayRoad to the west.

It contains an industrial corridor along the QEW highway, downtown Stoney Creek, and a section of the waterfront trail along Lake Ontario. Its population is 37,215.

Here's a bit more about the candidates running for the ward's council seat.

Jeff Beattie

Jeff Beattie, 47, owns and operates Winona Gardens, a greenhouse and garden centre, with his wife. He was the area's public school trustee from 2014 to 2018.

Describe one pressing issue facing your ward and what you'd do about it: Development or over-development is the issue I hear the most about. Our community is deeply concerned about the size, scope and density of new developments, and a lack of infrastructure to support it. If elected, I will listen carefully and firmly represent the community's interest. I will make sure that developments enhance a community, and not destroy it. When developers appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal to circumvent the local process, I will ensure that the city offers a vigorous and well-prepared opposition. I would consider this a new approach,particularly for Ward 10.

Name up to 3 policies you'd put forward or support if elected: Transit expansion in Stoney Creek, road rehabilitation, a policy to properly fund the purchase of surplus school board properties, with a goal of development of new affordable housing with non-profit providers while retaining greenspace.

Louie Milojevic

Louie Milojevic, 41, describes himself as an investor and a university professor. His LinkedIn profile says he taught in the University of Baltimore's department of Legal, Ethical, & Historical Studies.

Describe one pressing issue facing your ward and what you'd do about it: Unwanted development: I will work hard to protect our green space and ensure potential developments are done respectfully and responsibly, with full community input. Any future development must compliment existing communities and not cause issues.This approach is new in the context of the current practices which leave constituents feeling excluded and powerless.

Name up to 3 policies you'd put forward or support if elected: 1. Respectful and Responsible Development. 2. Making communities safer. 3. Getting value and services for tax dollars.

Maria Pearson

Maria Pearson, 66, has been the Ward 10 councillor since 2003. She did not respond to CBC Hamilton's election survey and does not appear to have a campaign website. At this year's Cable 14 debate for the ward, she touted her deep knowledge of the area's needs, and said that following on residents' requests, the coming years would see more traffic calming, and upgrades to roads, recreation facilities, fire department and parks in the area.

"I know the ward and concerns," she said. "Helping people is what I do best and I am proud of my record of service to you."

Before the 2018 municipal election, she said traffic, speeding, safety, transit, development and local amenities were her major focuses. She did not support light-rail transit at the time.

School board trustees

Public school candidates:

• Zahid Butt
• Marie Jackson
• Nancy Silva Khan
• Joseph Szigeti
• Todd White

Catholic school candidates:

• Andrea Di Nicola
• Mary Nardini

For more of CBC Hamilton's election coverage:

• Student groups among those doing final push to get out the vote in Hamilton this week
• 'Change-focused voters' drive the conversation in Hamilton election sure to see massive turnover
• How to vote in Hamilton's 2022 municipal election
• Advance voter turnout in Hamilton up from 2018 election